Video game SAG-AFTRA voice actors strike ends after 11 months

Back in October of last year voice actors working on video games for some of the biggest game publishers out there went on strike. These unionized workers are represented by SAG-AFTRA and the announcement has been made that the union and game studios have reached a tentative agreement that will see the voice actors go back to work.

The strike affected major gaming publishers and developers like Activision, Electronic Arts, and Warner Bros and was the longest strike in SAG history. The terms of the deal will see voice actors get a new bonus structure that gives additional payment to performers. That extra payment must be delivered no later than the game’s release date and is calculated using the number of recording sessions an actor worked on a title.

The first payment is $75 for session one and runs up to $2,100 after ten sessions. These voice actors have a previous deal in place that sees them paid at least $100 per hour plus benefits. The new agreement also requires the companies hiring voice actors to disclose details about the game they want the actor for including genre, codename, and if it’s based on an existing franchise so the voice actors can negotiate better.

Members must also be told prior to the project starting if they will have to use unusual terminology, profanity, or racial slurs. The actors also must be told if there will be sexual or violent content and if they will need to perform stunts. The deal also says that the publishers agree to work with the union on vocal stress issues. The new SAG-AFTRA deal will be reviewed and possibly confirmed at a board meeting in October reports Gamespot.